[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21333]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING AND HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE 
 UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES AS THE OFFICIAL COMBAT 
                    MISSION IN IRAQ DRAWS TO A CLOSE

  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, in the Senate we come at the war in 
Iraq from many different points of view, but in one respect I believe 
we are united and unanimous, and that is an appreciation for our troops 
who fought and bled and died in Iraq. So before we return to our home 
States, I ask unanimous consent that we proceed to the immediate 
consideration of S. Res. 349, a resolution commemorating and honoring 
the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces 
who served in Iraq, and their families, and we do so as a unified 
Senate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 349) commemorating and honoring the 
     service and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces and 
     their families as the official combat mission in Iraq draws 
     to a close.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. BAUCUS. I wish to add my name as a cosponsor to the resolution.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from Rhode 
Island for bringing forward this resolution. As the proud wife of an 
Iraq war veteran, this is an appropriate time. We thank our troops for 
what they have done in Iraq, for their courage, their sacrifice, and 
for allowing Iraq an opportunity to forge a democracy moving forward. 
We also remember and honor the thousands who have lost their lives for 
us and for our freedom and we thank all of them at this time of year. I 
rise in support of this resolution.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate?
  If not, the question is on agreeing to the resolution.
  The resolution (S. Res. 349) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 349

       Whereas nearly 1,500,000 members of the United States Armed 
     Forces served in Iraq, many serving on multiple deployments;
       Whereas the members of the United States Armed Forces who 
     served in support of operations in Iraq performed brilliantly 
     in a highly complex and challenging environment, and did 
     everything that was asked of them and more to meet the 
     requirements of the mission;
       Whereas thousands of members of the National Guard and 
     Reserves left their civilian jobs and livelihoods to support 
     operations in Iraq, making enormous contributions, and 
     serving with distinction;
       Whereas nearly 4,500 members of the United States Armed 
     Forces made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives in 
     support of operations in Iraq;
       Whereas more than 30,000 members of the United States Armed 
     Forces were wounded serving in support of operations in Iraq;
       Whereas families of the members of the United States Armed 
     Forces serving in Iraq endured repeated deployments and spent 
     many holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries apart;
       Whereas, after nearly nine years of combat, we welcome home 
     our veterans and continue to support members of the United 
     States Armed Forces deployed in Afghanistan and elsewhere in 
     the world;
       Whereas Iraq's destiny and future development now lie with 
     its people; and
       Whereas the people of the United States recognize the 
     service and sacrifices made by those members of the United 
     States Armed Forces and veterans, as well as their families: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) pays tribute to the members of the United States Armed 
     Forces who served in support of operations in Iraq;
       (2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on 
     the service of those members of the United States Armed 
     Forces, veterans, and their families, and honor their 
     sacrifices; and
       (3) commemorates and honors the contributions made by 
     members of the United States Armed Forces and their families, 
     as the official combat mission in Iraq draws to a close.

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